Living Religions

Why Rent from Knetbooks?

Because Knetbooks knows college students. Our rental program is designed to save you time and money. Whether you need a textbook for a semester, quarter or even a summer session, we have an option for you. Simply select a rental period, enter your information and your book will be on its way!

KEY BENEFIT Living Religions is a sympathetic approach to what is living and significant in the world's major religious traditions and in various new movements that are arising. KEY TOPICS This book provides a clear and straightforward account of the development, doctrines, and practices of the major faiths followed today. The emphasis throughout is on consciousness of believers and their own accounts of their religion and its relevance in contemporary life. MARKET For professional theologians and others interested in the development of the major religions practiced today.

Map: Religions in the World Today

3

(10)

Preface

13

(3)

The Religious Response

16

(28)

Why are there religions?

16

(9)

Materialistic perspective: humans invented religion

17

(2)

Functional perspective: religion is useful

19

(4)

Faith perspective: Ultimate Reality exists

23

(2)

Modes of encountering Ultimate Reality

25

(2)

Understandings of Ultimate Reality

27

(3)

Worship, symbol, and myth

30

(2)

Absolutist and liberal interpretations

32

(1)

The encounter between science and religion

33

(5)

Women and the feminine in religions

38

(2)

The negative side of organized religion

40

(2)

Box: Angels Weep

42

(1)

Suggested reading

43

(1)

Indigenous Sacred Ways

44

(35)

Barriers to understanding

44

(4)

Cultural diversity

48

(2)

The circle of right relationships

50

(4)

Relationships with spirit

51

(3)

Yoruba Teaching Story: Osun and the Power of Woman

54

(6)

Kinship with all creation

55

(3)

Relationships with power

58

(2)

Spiritual specialists

60

(6)

Storytellers and other sacred roles

60

(3)

Shamans

63

(3)

Living Indigenous Sacred Ways: An Interview with Nadezhda Ananyevna Stepanova